Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe accepts the club is in a place of privilege but says that comes with massive pressure.
Sundowns are blessed with resources thanks to the deep pockets of club owner Patrice Motsepe that has allowed them to spend big on players from South Africa and beyond.
The PSL champions outspends the rest every season and this has given them the edge when it comes to performances on the pitch, which has seen them win the last seven PSL titles in a row.
Thlopie Motsepe says just having the resources is not enough as those who have been brought in as either players or coaches must always show value for money by achieving the objectives that the club sets.
More money, more pressure, says Motsepe
“We live in an environment and world where we try as best to be honest with our supporters and football fans as much as possible, so we don’t deny the fact we consider ourselves as a privileged club,” Motsepe said on Pitchside with Peter Tabu.
“But with that privilege comes pressure and with that pressure also comes responsibility, so we have a club president and owner who loves the game so much and is passionate about football.
“We are as a club lucky enough to know the investment that comes from his pocket is something we must respect, and have to work hard to try and return that type of passion with success.
“They say money doesn’t change people, it reveals the character of the person, with that we always say we have players, we try to attract players with good value, good human beings and as a club, try to give back what we have.”
Part of what Sundowns have set out to achieve this season is retaining their league title as well as winning the CAF Champions League.
What are Sundowns targeting this season?
They enjoy a 15-point lead over Orlando Pirates in the PSL, although the Soweto giants have four games in hand.
Sundowns last won the continental trophy in 2016 and have set out to claim it this season, with failure to win this competition cited as one of the reasons coach Rulani Mokwena was sacked at the end of last season, after exiting at the semi-final stage in each of the last two campaigns.
It is the same reason Manqoba Mngqithi was dismissed last December, after the Brazilians started their Champions League group stage campaign with two draws, and coach Miguel Cardoso is the man now in the hot seat tasked with delivering it.
Cardoso will be tested to the limit as Sundowns take on his former team Esperance of Tunisia in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Loftus Versfeld on April 1.
